​After all the absolute rubbish about the SA blackout being spread by some politicians, including the Prime Minister, and others, I have decided to share this information from the Climate Council which provides accurate information about the event.

John Lloyd

"Sometimes Australian politics can seem like a fact-free zone. But the last 24 hours were a disgrace.

While extreme winds and rain were still lashing houses in South Australia, certain politicians and commentators started blaming renewable energy for the state-wide blackout. Parts of the media ran with the story – without checking the facts.

Of course, the cause of the blackout was the severe storm. Over 80,000 lighting strikes. Winds over 90km/h. Hail the size of golf balls. 22 transmission towers toppled and damaged.

Climate Council experts were out in the media throughout yesterday correcting misinformation. You might have seen Climate Councillor & energy expert Andrew Stock on Lateline (1).

While the media often struggles to get it right, we can use our social media channels to set the record straight. In fact we reach a million people a week through the Climate Council Facebook page alone.

One thing that was missing in the coverage yesterday was climate change. As you know, climate change is driving a wetter and warmer atmosphere, which is increasing the likelihood of severe and damaging storms. We must ensure that our emergency services, health services and infrastructure are as prepared as possible for worsening extreme events, and we must tackle climate change.

The last 24 hours has exemplified why the Climate Council is vital. When unscrupulous commentators put out misinformation, we are there to correct it.

To all our members in South Australia, we hope you are staying safe and our thoughts are with you during, and in the aftermath of, this severe storm.
Best wishes,

Amanda McKenzie
Climate Council CEO
P.S. Together we can continue to set the record straight with our latest video. Can you share it far and wide on Facebook or YouTube?

P.P.S. For more information check out this fact sheet we distributed yesterday.

Benalla Sustainable Future Group is organising a community forum to discuss a 100% renewable energy future for Benalla.

While a significant number of households and businesses in Benalla have installed rooftop solar panels, it is time to look towards becoming a clean energy community. This would mean that Benalla would no longer rely on fossil fuel based energy which is a major contributor to green-house gas emissions.

The community forum will consider the development of a renewable energy future for Benalla. Guest speakers will explain how other towns are planning for a renewable energy future, the benefits of community renewable energy, and what some of the options are for Benalla. Community members will be invited to provide input into the discussion and also invited to get involved in shaping a future clean energy plan for Benalla.

This is an important development for the Benalla community and I would encourage everyone to attend the public forum and become involved in helping to develop a future clean energy plan for Benalla.I have attached a publicity flyer about the forum. Please pass this information on to others who may be interested. Or you can download the flyer here, Community Energy Forum Flyer.

BSFG President, John Lloyd forwarded this information as some of you may be interested in switching to an ethical energy retailer, particularly if your feed-in tariff runs out at the end of the year. It's from Claire, National Director, Solar Citizens info@solarcitizens.org.au

"Does your power company support solar?

Victorian energy retailers say they are committed to renewable energy yet remain some of the heaviest polluters in our country. In fact, some openly discourage the uptake of solar. It’s time to make big energy take notice of solar customers - pronto!

Standing up for renewables and the rights of solar owners is our bread and butter at Solar Citizens, and that’s why we’re partnering with Ethical Switch. Ethical Switch ranks electricity providers by their green credentials, and helps get a better return for solar customers too.

Their two highest rated electricity providers, Powershop and Diamond Energy, are both 100% renewable and are 100% committed to solar customers. If you were lucky enough to get the ‘Transitional’ or ‘1 for 1’ feed-in tariff now is the time to start thinking about how to maximise the benefit of your system when these schemes run out at the end of this year. If you switch now you won’t lose any benefits.

Both providers offer feed-in tariffs well above the national average: Diamond Energy offers an 8c/kWh FIT and Powershop offers a 7.2c/kWh FIT.

These two companies operate with a whole different mindset than other power retailers: they welcome solar customers and offer tips for getting the most out of your solar. In other words, they display the kind of thinking that the rest of energy sector needs to adopt.

Plus, for each customer that switches, Solar Citizens receives a $50 donation that will give us the resources to fight harder on our campaigns like a fair price for solar and 100% renewable power by 2030 all across Australia.